Writing about Life

Tag Archives: jessica ennis

I will apologise in advance for my innumerable Olympics posts at the moment. Like I have said previously, me the non-sports fan, in fact I would go so far as to say, as a rule of thumb, the sport hater (arguing non-stop about the immorality of footballers vast pay etc etc), have become glued to the television, waiting eagerly for the next Team GB event. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails down to the quick – This is what I have become!

Jess Ennis Gold Medal

But apology over, back to the Olympics …

The defining moment for me in Britain’s gold rush was seeing Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter in ruins having come second in the men’s lightweight double skulls. What?! If that were me I would be jumping for joy, I’d be second best in the world at something – especially when you consider Zac’s seat broke and the race had to be restarted. I certainly wouldn’t have gone for it in fear of some horrific injury. But nonetheless they were in pieces apologising for letting people down, which was certainly not the case. These men showed their passion and desire and not least showed themselves to be true members of team GB.

Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter inconsolable having come second

If only I had that kind of passion for my history degree, it would make me the next David Starkey (or any other discreetly famous historian)!

These people are incredible; they have a passion for something and go for it. It’s that single focus that makes them an inspiration. Watching the reactions really sums it all up. Jessica Ennis in tears receiving her gold medal, the mens heavy weight fours smiling uncontrollably, the ladies cycling team euphoric, Greg Rutherford flag clad, the rowing girls unable to speak and Mo Farrah doing the ‘Mo’. That’s what it is all about for me; these are people achieving their life aim, what they have worked so hard for.

On the other hand, to see Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter in pieces having come second and Rebbecca Adlington so disappointed with her 3rd place medal was nothing less than human. This is a reality we are all going to have to face at some point during our lives; it’s just seems more extreme in sport.

Go Mo!

We are all going have gold moments. But with gold inevitably comes silver or bronze or less. That doesn’t mean stop trying, if anything those bronze, silver and medal-less moments are those from which you learn the most. It is those instants that create the gold moments, which of course are the building blocks for success. I will certainly be taking inspiration from these athletes. I am no sports woman, I can assure you my passion in life is not going to become the 10,000m or rowing anytime soon! However I am going to keep trying in what I am good at, find my passion and win my gold!